Great responses on the NY Times eating before breakfast article. Last minute thoughts, then I’m done, promise!
Important things to remember when reading a media-reported health study:
- the media loves sensationalist material and often misinterprets information.
- one study will not necessarily change what we know about health slash nutrition; it takes many studies to validate results or form any sort of concrete conclusion.
- studies are often conducted in highly controlled environments with variables designed to achieve results; applying the results of a study to the general population isn’t usually realistic.
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As nutrition counseling appointments stack up for the new year, I find requests for quick weeknight meals a common theme. It’s pretty stressful to have to make any meal, let alone a healthful meal at the end of the work day.
Here’s a favorite that’s ready in no time and is a fantastic way to sneak in those vegetables.
Step 1. Chop up an assortment of veggies…your choice. Season with olive oil, black pepper, garlic, maple syrup, and a shake of parmesan cheese.
Step 2. Place vegetable mixture in foil, and form into packets.
Step 3. Bake at 400 F for about 50 minutes.
Step 4. Serve over quinoa, which takes ~15 minutes to cook. Top with feta cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
Not sure how it could get much quicker [or easier] than that.
If you have extra time, you can make this whole wheat carrot cake.
[whole wheat carrot cake]
ingredients
- scant 1 cup turbinado sugar
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 9 x 13 pan.
- Combine the sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, soda, & applesauce. With an electric mixer beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the carrots and the walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes.
*note: I made my own frosting with vanilla yogurt + powdered sugar. I didn’t measure anything, so just mix until it’s the desired consistency.
What’s your fave quick fix dinner? If you have a recipe link, please share! I’m in the process of making a book for my clients and would love your suggestions.
Day 10: the gift of reading
Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud [search for a program in your area].
You can give by volunteering to be a reader or donating gently used or new books. As someone who grew up doing a lot of reading (Nancy Drew was one of my favorites) and still loves it today, I know how much reading can contribute to educational development…and imagination.
Happy weekend, all. I’ll be in the kitchen testing out recipes for my first ever cooking class next week…wish me luck!
